Ravi Shastri picks India’s playing XI for WTC final vs Australia

Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri has picked India’s playing XI for the upcoming World Test Championship final against Australia. Shastri wants India to pick their final XI on the basis of conditions at the Oval.

Indian players are gearing up for the summit clash after taking part in the Indian Premier League 2023. Ergo, it will be a challenge for them to adjust to the Test format and deliver their best in the crucial game.

Shastri backed Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma as openers whereas he picked Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, and Ajinkya Rahane to bat at three, four, and five respectively.

“When you look at the WTC, if I remember from the last time India were in the final, it’s very important to pick a team that suits the conditions,” Shastri said in a video shared by Star Sports. “Last time in Southampton, the weather was very overcast. Hence, I will pick my 12. My 12 will be Rohit, Shubman, Pujara at 3, Virat at 4, Ajinkya Rahane 5.”

Shastri feels India might back KS Bharat if two spinners are playing. The renowned commentator reckons Rohit Sharma could pick Ishan Kishan if four seamers and one spinner are playing.

“A choice has to be made between KS Bharat and Ishan Kishan,” Shastri said. “I have a feeling that India go depending on who is playing. If two spinners are playing, maybe KS Bharat. But if there are four seamers and one spinner playing, then it might go the other way.”

Shastri picked Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Shardul Thakur, and one between Umesh Yadav and Ravichandran Ashwin in his playing XI.

The final will be played at the Oval from June 7.

India’s squad for the WTC final

Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, KS Bharat (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Mohd. Shami, Mohd. Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat, and Ishan Kishan (wk).

Standby players: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Mukesh Kumar, and Suryakumar Yadav.